Got yourself a brand new pair of basketball shoes, but they are feeling pretty stiff and uncomfortable on your feet? No worries, we have gathered some amazing tips and tricks to help you answer the question of how to break in Basketball shoes quickly.
Breaking into new shoes can be a real pain in the foot, but with these tried methods and step by step guides, you can focus on improving your game and performing at your best.
So, without further ado, let’s break in!
Do Basketball Shoes Loosen Up?
Basketball shoes, like any other shoes tend to loosen up over time as you wear them. With every wear, the material becomes more flexible and mold to the shape of your foot.
If you have just purchased a new pair of basketball shoes, it might take between five and ten usages before they become easier to break in.
What to Do Before Buying New Basketball Shoes
To know how to break in your basketball shoes quickly, you must first learn how to pick the right shoes. Some shoes aren’t designed for you, no matter how hard you break them in.
Choose the Right Size
You must make sure you get the right size for you. Wearing tight shoes that your feet will be squeezed in will develop blisters on the toes and heel.
Wearing too big shoes will make your foot slide around inside and easily come off while playing.
Choose the Right Type
They come in all kinds of shapes and sizes, you must consider how you’ll be using them. If you play street basketball, you want to buy outdoor shoes.
Also, you have to consider your playing style. High top and mid top basketball shoes provide extra ankle support, whereas low top provide less but give your foot maximum freedom.
Buy Ahead of Time
The last thing you should do is spend a lot on a nice pair of basketball shoes the day before your big game or a big season.
You must buy them a few weeks in advance so you have time to practice in them and break them in. This way, you will perform at your peak.
Why Do Basketball Shoes Hurt My Feet?
Basketball shoes can hurt your feet if they are too tight or brand new. If they are new, you have to make sure to give them time to adjust to your feet. Don’t play in them until you have broken them in, avoiding blisters.
Tips on How to Break in Basketball Shoes
Use Your Fingers
Hold a sneaker at the bottom with one hand and stick your other hand into the shoe where the toes sit. Push up and down with your fingers to loosen the toe area.
Repeat this process with the other sneaker. You can do the same process with the heel part of the shoe to help loosen up.
Wear Thick Socks
Thick socks will protect your feet from blisters and give them more stability. They can also help with breaking in your new basketball shoes by stretching the materials. If you don’t own thick socks, you can just simply wear two normal pairs of socks.
Shoe Stretcher
Shoe stretchers can work wonders for basketball players that are in a hurry. They can provide an extra half-inch of length or width, and work great for breaking in your new basketball shoes quickly.
Hair Dryer
Turn on a hair dryer and spread heat evenly on the basketball shoe. After a minute or two, wear thick socks and put on your shoes. Walk around with them for a while. Repeat this process a few times until you get a comfortable fit.
Break in With Ice
This method particularly works if you have a wide foot. Simply get two zip lock bags and fill them halfway with water. Place the bags inside your shoes inside a freezer. Wait for it to freeze. This will stretch out your shoes and make them easier to break in.
Use a Towel
You can stuff a damp face towel in your basketball shoes and leave it over night into the freezer. Make sure that the towels are nicely pressed against the shoes’ insoles. This will help break in your new shoes overnight without wearing them.
Jog in Them
Layer up on socks or wear thick socks and jog in your new basketball shoes for at least 30 minutes. This will help stretch out your shoes.
Conclusion
Breaking in your new basketball shoes is crucial for your performance on the court. It might take a few usage sessions, however with the tips and tricks provided, you can speed up the process and get your shoes game-ready in no time!
